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Nikon, Zeiss, Leupold, Kahles

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COLOelkman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote COLOelkman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Nikon, Zeiss, Leupold, Kahles
    Posted: May/04/2009 at 21:49
I'm interested in getting a scope for a new Browning A Bolt .338 Win Mag.  I'm considering the Nikon Monarchs (2.5-10x50 or 4-16X50), Zeiss Conquest, Leupold, or Kahles all is similar ranges.  I've heard a lot of good words on the Zeiss and last year they looked great to me.  I compared the Zeiss with a Nikon last week and just really couldn't telll the difference except the Nikon actually looked a bit brighter.  I think i got them focused alright but I was somewhat surprised as the Zeiss's are a bit of a jump in price from the Nikon's and it didn't seem like my eyes could tell.  I haven't looked at the Leupolds or Kahles other than online.  I'd heard Kahles are probably in line with the Zeiss as a generally comparable scope quality.  I'm not locked into the 50mm but thought it might be worth a bit extra for a bit more light.  I plan to use it for elk hunting.  I typically don't shoot long shots but want something that I could if need be shoot out to 400 or 450 at most. (unless I find the time to do a lot of practicing.....with the .338 that could be pricey as well)  Any opinions on these scopes would be appreciated.  Thanks, Doug
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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/04/2009 at 21:51
What's your budget??
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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COLOelkman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote COLOelkman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/04/2009 at 22:15
I'm hoping for under $500 but I know Kahles and Zeiss will be a bit above that.  I did bid about $550 on a Kahles a week ago on ebay and decided that would be tops for me.   I just don't think getting a more expensive scope will make me more successful!  Trouble is if I look at more expensive scopes, they seem to keep calling my name!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/04/2009 at 22:24
422104M Bushnell 2.5-10x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope                                                                               Bushnell 2.5-10x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Multi-X
  • 1"
  • Rainguard
SWFA: $429.95
More Info... Buy Now
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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/04/2009 at 22:58
Out of the scopes you listed I threw out the Kahles and focused on the Nikon, Leupold and Zeiss. I wasn't sure if you wanted 40mm or 50mm but your post looked like you were considering at 50mm. The Nikon will be under budget. The Leupold and Zeiss almost $100.00 more.

Personally I think you'll be best served with the Leupold on your .338

Nikon 2.5-10x50

8416 Nikon 2.5-10x50 Monarch Riflescope                                                                                      Nikon 2.5-10x50 Monarch Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Nikoplex
  • 1"
SWFA: $469.95
More Info... Buy Now

Leupold vx-3 3.5-10x50

LEU66270 Leupold 3.5-10x50 VX-3 Riflescope                                                                                       Leupold 3.5-10x50 VX-3 Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Duplex
  • 1"
  • Xtended Twilight Lens System
SWFA: $579.95
More Info...

Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 (50mm was a lot more). The rapid-z reticle is sweet.

5214609971 Zeiss 3-9x40 Conquest Rifle Scope                                                                                       Zeiss 3-9x40 Conquest Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Rapid Z 600
  • 1"
  • Etched Glass
  • 2nd Plane
SWFA: $574.95
More Info... Buy Now




Edited by mike650 - May/04/2009 at 23:02
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Folically Challenged Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 07:36
Originally posted by COLOelkman COLOelkman wrote:

I'm interested in getting a scope for a new Browning A Bolt .338 Win Mag. 
 ...
I compared the Zeiss with a Nikon last week and just really couldn't telll the difference except the Nikon actually looked a bit brighter. 
...
it didn't seem like my eyes could tell.
...
I'm not locked into the 50mm but thought it might be worth a bit extra for a bit more light.
...
I plan to use it for elk hunting. 
...
I typically don't shoot long shots
...
but want something that I could if need be shoot out to 400 or 450 at most.
...
Any opinions on these scopes would be appreciated. 
... Thanks, Doug
 
Mr. Doug,
 
It seems to me you are not only on the right path, but a good way along it.  You used your own eyes to compare 2 scopes, & your eyes told you what none of ours can:  which scope your eyes like better!  It would be like us telling you to go buy Reeboks, when you feel far more comfortable in New Balance shoes.
 
One part of your post I'd ask you about is the 50mm objective.  True, larger glass can let in more light, but unless you're stepping-up in price, it likely won't appear as bright as a higher-quality scope with 40mm glass.  One other point about the 50mm is whether or not you'll be hunting these elk from horseback.  Saddle scabbards generally aren't built to accommodate larger scopes, so there could be some "fit" issues.
 
I might also ask about magnification.  4-16 isn't out of the ballpark, but even a 9x scope will make a 450 shot seem like 50 yards with iron sights.  So, the same $500 or less would buy a much better optic than a 4-16x50, and it would still seem to do all you're likely to ask of it.
 
It seems, based on what you've told us, that you might be very well served by any of the 3-9x40 scopes out there, or even a high quality fixed 6 power scope.  Actually, the "tweener scopes" that Koshkin mentions might be just perfect.  Check out that thread from a few days back.
 
Good Luck,
 
FC
 
 
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 07:56

On a .338 Mag I would want maximum eye relief so I would go with the Zeiss Conquest 3-9X40 with the plex reticle.  I think that is under budget and its an awesome scope - have one on my Son's .270!  You won't be disappointed

Zeiss 3-9x40 Conquest Rifle Scope

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Specifications
Weight (oz): 15

Zeiss Z-Plex
Z-Plex

Length (in): 13.15
Eye Relief (in): 4
Field of View @ 100yds (ft): 34 - 11
Exit Pupil (mm): 13.3 - 4.4

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Stock # Price Quantity  
5214609920 $499.95

take em!
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Tip69 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 08:01
you might even consider this one and it's $100 less!
 

Zeiss 2.5-8x32 Conquest Rifle Scope

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Specifications
Weight (oz): 13.75

Zeiss Z-Plex
Z-Plex

Length (in): 12.2
Eye Relief (in): 4
Field of View @ 100yds (ft): 39.9 - 13.2
Exit Pupil (mm): 12.8 - 4

Order Here
Stock # Price Quantity  
5214259920 $399.95


Edited by Tip69 - May/05/2009 at 08:01
take em!
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Dshusker View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dshusker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 15:55
I also like the 2.5X16X42 Bushnell Elite 6500. I believe it can be purchased for around $550.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 16:01
I think Tip is dead on with the Conquests 3X9X40.  IMHO.
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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 16:14
You guys didn't like my Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 with rapid-Z recommendation? Sad   Just kidding!! The z-plex reticle brings down the price below the $500.00 budget and the scope itself is an excellent choice for most applications. Thunbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 16:15
I think one would be very well served with any of the above recommendations.  All are high quality scopes. 
Ted


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mike650 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 16:46
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

I think one would be very well served with any of the above recommendations.  All are high quality scopes. 


Yippee
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/05/2009 at 18:10
I can actually only recommend to look at them outside of the store in natural light, preferably in the evening, and pick the one that looks best to you. The Conquest glass just kind of "speaks" to me, but maybe your eyes speak Nikon.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 06:06
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

422104M Bushnell 2.5-10x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope                                                                               Bushnell 2.5-10x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Multi-X
  • 1"
  • Rainguard
SWFA: $429.95
More Info... Buy Now
 
10+ on this one.  I have this on my SAV 270cal and it is extremely bright and clear,  95% light transmission with the new coating.  Its an excellent scope for the $, I am tickled pink!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 06:15
I forgot to mention that the Bushnell 4200 line of scopes are all BIG KICKER certified
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 07:22
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

I forgot to mention that the Bushnell 4200 line of scopes are all BIG KICKER certified



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chuck Norris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 08:22
Originally posted by mike650 mike650 wrote:

Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

I forgot to mention that the Bushnell 4200 line of scopes are all BIG KICKER certified



 
You called?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FunShot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 08:35
I also compared a similar spec zeiss conquest and nikon monarch. To my eyes, the nikon also seems to have a brighter image than the zeiss at low magnification (10x or under), at high/max magnification though(20x ), the zeiss has a better contrast image. To each his own though as everyone's eyes are most likely different in big or little ways. I even notice slight difference in color contrast image perception between my right and left eye. Whacko
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sakomato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/15/2009 at 08:40
Originally posted by Chuck Norris Chuck Norris wrote:

Originally posted by mike650 mike650 wrote:

Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

I forgot to mention that the Bushnell 4200 line of scopes are all BIG KICKER certified



 
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